The path to becoming a university professor begins with a degree. The first cycle of studies could become the area of study and work. It is common for future university professors in certain areas to study lifelong in their field of knowledge or in nearby areas.
For example, someone trained in history will be able to continue their studies in paleography; or someone trained in physical engineering to continue his studies in nuclear physics.
Masters
After graduation, a master’s degree should be sought. The master’s degree will be the first step to also become a scientific researcher. In the master’s degree, the student will not only specialize in an area of knowledge, but will also learn to do research under the guidance of a specialist, namely the thesis advisor.
It is important that the student has in mind what he wants to do and which university will provide him with the best teaching. A master’s degree lasts an average of two years.
The master’s degree is important because it opens doors for research, as well as establishes contacts in the academic world that may provide a doctorate.
PhD
The doctorate is the next pass after obtaining a master’s degree. A doctoral program lasts an average of 3 to 4 years.
This will be one of the necessary steps to be able to become a university professor, but the career as a university professor may start soon after the completion of the master’s degree.
The PhD is a period of great personal investment for specialization in an area. Great dedication to scientific research will be required.
After completing the doctorate, you can also take the post-doctoral course, where you can carry out a new investigation from a study center in your field.
Professor
To become a university professor, specialization in the area is required, as well as a good curriculum with publications in scientific journals or participation in scientific events.
In addition to these situations, it is necessary to go through a selection process where the candidate may or may not be selected.
This goes for applications to public universities. In private universities, however, vacancies are filled as in any other job, yet it is necessary to have a second cycle degree and a good curriculum.
However, a university professor has a lot of responsibilities. The first is to teach classes for undergraduate and graduate degrees; the second is to guide students for graduation, master’s and doctoral theses; thirdly, the professor must also invest time in his own scientific research, publish the results in scientific journals and in events, as well as participate in study groups and conferences.
Being a university professor is a profession that requires a lot of time, effort and patience. It takes dedication to become a university professor.
This is a path where commitment to study and personal care is essential. This will be important to be able to deal with the pressure related to the research and supervision deadlines related to teaching.
Being a university professor is a prestigious, well-paid profession that allows you to work in various fields of teaching and research. It also has the possibility to compete in a world market for highly qualified workers.
